Chicago Cubs Star Wins Coveted Fielding Award

A Chicago Cubs star has earned his first honor of the season, taking home a coveted fielding award after the stellar defensive performance he had in 2023.
Chicago Cubs Star Wins Coveted Fielding Award
Chicago Cubs Star Wins Coveted Fielding Award /
In this story:

The Chicago Cubs were aggressive this past offseason to obtain star power that they thought would put a jolt into their rebuild.

For the most part, the front office was correct.

The Cubs had a nine-win improvement from 2022 to 2023, and were close to making the postseason for the first time since 2020.

Their big three additions were outfielder Cody Bellinger, shortstop Dansby Swanson and starting pitcher Jameson Taillon.

Bellinger and Swanson emerged as stars for Chicago, while Taillon struggled in his first season.

The two position players were a big reason why the Cubs were so close to making the MLB Playoffs.

Swanson came under fire a bit for his poor performance at the plate down the stretch, but he was a great defender, something that Chicago was looking for with this signing.

Now, the star shortstop is taking home the honor as the best defensive shortstop in the MLB, awarded by Fielding Bible.

A 15-person panel decides who should win this distinction based on statistical analysis.

Swanson was the only unanimous selection in 2023 after leading all shortstops with 18 defensive runs saved.

He's the second Cubs shortstop to win this award, following Javier Baez in the 2020 season.

While Chicago will be looking for more production from his bat heading into next year, knowing they have one of the best defensive infielders in the league goes a long way in helping them construct the roster.

The 29-year-old signed a seven-year, $177 million contract with the organization this past offseason.

He is in the future plans for years to come.

This award highlights the solid debut season he had with the Cubs.


Published
Brad Wakai
BRAD WAKAI

Brad Wakai graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism. While an undergrad, he did work at the student radio station covering different Penn State athletic programs like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports. Brad currently is the Lead Contributor for Nittany Lions Wire of Gannett Media where he continues to cover Penn State athletics. He is also a contributor at FanSided, writing about the Philadelphia 76ers for The Sixers Sense. Brad is the host of the sports podcast I Said What I Said, discussing topics across the NFL, College Football, the NBA and other sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @bwakai